Online Desk  :   Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed has warned of taking stern action against market manipulators in a bid to keep the prices of essential items in a tolerable state. “We are already in a tough stance against the market manipulators. Action is being taken against the big fishes in the financial sector and the step will be strengthened more in the coming days,” he said on Saturday. While talking to reporters after a meeting of the Bangladesh Institute of Governance and Management held in Agargaon area of Dhaka this noon, he said all deputy commissioners have been asked to strengthen their vigilance against extortion.

“We have already reduced the import tax on potato and onion. I hope that the prices of the daily essentials will come down immediately if we can spot the extortion,” said the finance adviser. Claiming that the consumer goods are changed hands four times at Kawran Bazar, Salehuddin said the trend must be stopped.

Unrest in the RMG sector to put an end soon : About the ongoing unrest in the country’s readymade garment sector, he said the government has already held meetings with the owners, workers’ leaders and leaders of many political parties to get rid of the situation immediately.

Stakeholders and political leaders are helping accelerate the crisis, he said responding to a query about the involvement of the external forces behind the crisis.